SIMULATED PLACEMENT
A space to find information about simulated placement, what it is, the skills you will develop, the benefits and some advice to prepare you for your simulated placement.
What is simulated placement?
A simulated placement is a non clinical placement which usually takes place in a setting other than your usual clinical area. It follows the same learning objectives as clinical placement and you will gain placement hours for the work completed within this time. Simulated placement is designed to authentically mirror practice. On simulated placement students typically take part in virtual simulation, using virtual reality or computer based patients and scenarios, working with simulated patients, and interacting with people with lived experiences (either as a patient or carer). Students might also learn and practise clinical skills, undertake self-directed activities appropriate to the learning outcomes for the placement, and take part in group work, and peer teaching and learning. There may also be opportunities to work with practice partners or take part in seminars with subject matter experts, focusing on specific areas which may be difficult to access on clinical placement.
What does a simulated placement enable students to learn?
Because simulated placement doesn’t have the same pressures as clinical placement, it gives us the benefit of more time for guided reflection, allowing students and facilitators to deconstruct scenarios or events they have taken part in, for example to look at language used during a student patient interaction and then work on reconstructing that scenario in a more effective way in preparation for placement. It can also provide opportunities to manage specific conditions or presentations, which might not be seen on placement. Scenarios, simulated patient interactions, and other activities help students to increase their knowledge, skills, professional values and confidence in a safe environment.
What are the benefits of a simulated placement?
There are lots of benefits of taking part in simulated placement, including the fact that the programme can be carefully designed to control the learning experiences you will have through taking part in it. This differs from clinical placement which can vary very much depending on the allocated placement site or area of work and other factors. Simulated placement is a safe space to practise before clinical placement.
What skills should a student expect to develop when undertaking a simulated placement?
Students can develop skills around independent learning and time management, leadership and management skills through working in simulated environments. Communication and teamworking skills might be developed through working with simulated patients and peers, as well as skills around recognising human factors, cultural competence, empathy and having difficult conversations. Additionally, clinical skills may be practised as part of a scenario involving a patient.
How can a simulated placement prepare students for a clinical placement/clinical practice?
Simulated practice is a safe space, allowing students to reflect immediately through reflection and debrief, giving the opportunity for self and peer reflection, practice supervisor feedback, sharing experiences, and ultimately improving practice and confidence.
What advice would you give a student who is preparing for a simulated placement?
Our best advice for a student preparing for a simulated placement would be…Read any instructions and pre-course information carefully. Attend a welcome lecture if there is one, as this will usually outline the simulated placement and explain how it works, including important things like how to claim hours and where to record these, how to access support, contact details of support staff and services. Don’t overload yourself or put too much pressure on yourself. Some students might need longer to do some tasks than others but simulated placement shouldn’t become a really stressful experience. So don’t be hard on yourself if you can’t complete something in the time allocated. You wouldn’t stay at work for hours after your finish time, as you would have handed your patient over to the next shift. Remember it’s about the learning, skills and confidence that you develop from taking part and not necessarily just the final product. And finally, attend simulated placement with an open mind and avoid having pre-conceived ideas that just because you’re not in clinical practice the learning won’t be valuable.
A FEW THINGS TO REMEMBER
Uniform
You are expected to wear your uniform during all simulated placement sessions
POSITIVE ATTITUDE
Be on time, Be ready to learn and Bring a smile!
PROFESSIONAL CONDUCT
You are expected to behave professionally at all times. Respect your environment, the equipment in use and respect those around you.
